Abstract: A method for shaping an optical element includes heating a first surface of an optical element, and allowing the first surface of the optical element to cool, thereby causing residual stress in the first surface which deforms the optical element to a predetermined shape. Heating can include applying a laser to the first surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror substrate that includes the steps of providing a polishable substrate surface layer formed from ultra low expansion (ULE) glass, depositing successive layers of powdered ULE glass onto the polishable substrate surface layer, and selectively lasing each successive layer of powdered ULE glass to produce successive fused layers of ULE glass joined to one another to form a mirror substrate having an optimized three-dimensional topology. A mirror substrate manufactured according to the prescribed method is also disclosed.